Robin Singh has been a very eminent name in and around the Indian football circuit for quite a few time now. Right from that absolute bonker of a goal against Guam which propelled India to register it’s solitary win in the Second Round of 2018 World Cup qualifiers -to- the injury time equalizer against Bengaluru FC at G.M.C Balayogi Athletic Stadium that helped HFC clinch a point against the defending champions, Robin Singh fondly known as the “Big Guy” has given us many memories to cherish as Indian football fans.
As we inch closer to the commencement of a new season, Robin Singh is all geared up for taking the center stage yet again. “My goal is to put my best foot forward. I will give it my all, each and every game as if it’s my last and help my team get the results. I’ve been away from football for almost 6-8 months and that’s definitely made me hungry to play my best football,” Robin told IFTWC as he stated his primary aim ahead of ISL 7.
With the National setup going through a rickety phase, Robin is still optimistic to re-breakthrough and don the National colours again. Indeed every sportsperson regardless of his/her domain, longs for the National duty. Robin showed his readiness by quoting, “I’d like to play for the national team as soon as tomorrow, representing the country is the proudest moment for any athlete and I’m no different. Coach Igor Stimac says he like his strikers physically and I’m eager to show him that I will fight for my country from the front.”
Moving on to the current global uncertainties even the Indian Super League has to align with the set of rules and regulations set up by the government. Playing behind closed doors is definitely going to be a new experience for everyone. “Fans are an integral part of our sport, yes we would miss them our fans cheering for us from the stands motivates us to push even harder, however health and safety will be paramount due to the pandemic and we’re use to playing with less or no fans on occasions so our focus will be on playing great football for our fans to enjoy from their homes and I’m sure in time our fans will fill the stadiums again,” he said.
The soon to be ISL debutants East Bengal FC’s entry into the top flight league opens up another door of opportunity for the striker. When he was asked about the odds of reuniting with the Red and Golds, Robin said, “East Bengal gave me my first professional contract which showed their belief in me as a youngster which made me grow as an athlete on and off the pitch, if the opportunity comes my way I’d love to play for them again.”
A certain trivia about our Big Guy, Robin Singh has wore 24, 23 and 9 Jersey numbers throughout his career till date. On being asked about which was his most favorite, he said, “23 was a number that I began my professional football career with and it will always be special to me, where as 9 was a number I grew into over my career, I’ve scored goals wearing both so I’d say I like them both.”
We have seen a big pool of youngsters rise to the occasion as the top tier league is getting more competitive day in day out, we asked Robin whether he could pick a few emerging players who have the pedigree to level up and compete at the highest level. “There are plenty of young talented footballers now in the likes of Sahal Abdul Samad, Lallianzuala Chhangte, Amarjit Singh Kiyam, Udanta Singh, Narender Gahlot and Anirudh Thapa who I’m sure, will do wonders for both club and country in the times to come and I look forward to playing alongside them or against them.”
On a conclusive note, we asked Robin about his future plans 5 years down the line. Whether he plans on coaching after he hangs his boots or if he has other better things in mind. As we all would expect for an exquisite finish from Robin, he appended, “5 years is a long time to for things to change but my aim is to play football for as long as I can and all I know is I’d love to be involved with football may be a coach or may be a fan supporting our nation at the World Cup. Loud and proud!”
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